Leisure Services Department moves into new City Commons

ST. GEORGE – The City of St. George Leisure Services Department has moved from its home of 31 years in the old Dixie Academy Building, which is now the St. George Children’s Museum at 86 S. Main St. Department administrative staff and members of the Recreation Division staff are now housed at the City Commons building, 220 N. 200 East, directly east of City Hall. The City Commons, formally the Utah District 5th District Courthouse and Justice Center, has been renovated inside and out following a waterline break at the building in 2010.

“The move helps to consolidate the Leisure Services Department staff under one roof for increased collaboration and easier access for the public to program coordinators,” Leisure Services Director Kent Perkins said. “The newly created space provides for some fantastic opportunities. We look forward to using the lobby of the City Commons for a number of public exhibits and gatherings.”

The public is invited to an open house at the City Commons on Wednesday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Residents are invited to join the city for a tour of the new offices and to visit with staff and view exhibits about the city’s Leisure Services programs, facilities and many other projects. Visitors can also enjoy the art exhibit in the Red Cliff Gallery or simply relax in the new Commons gardens.

The Leisure Services Department is made up of five divisions: parks, park planning, recreation, Dixie Center operations and community arts. The department was just selected as a finalist for the prestigious National Gold Medal Award for Excellence in Parks and Recreation, according to a press release from the City of St. George.

The public can now register for recreation programs and events at the Commons, the Recreation Center or online. Office hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Leisure Services staff can be reached at 435-627-4500.